*Warning: This article contains spoilers*
And Just Like That has finally arrived on our TV screens after what feels like a lifetime of waiting, and its first episode certainly packed a punch.
On Thursday, HBO Max released two episodes from the Sex and the City reboot, starring Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker and more of the beloved cast.
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For months there has been speculation regarding the state of the women’s friendships and romances with their other halves, most importantly the marriage of Parker and Chris Noth’s characters, Carrie Bradshaw and ‘Mr Big’.
However, at the end of the first episode, fans have been left distraught after watching, in the closing scenes, Mr Big die of a sudden heart attack.
His untimely death comes shortly after he finishes exercising on a Peloton bike following a virtual ride with a Barcelona-born woman named Allegra (played by real Peloton instructor Jess King).
Dr Suzanne Steinbaum, a cardiologist and a member of Peloton’s Health & Wellness Advisory Council, has since issued a statement about the character’s death, suggesting that his usage of the bike might actually have helped delay his heart attack.
'I’m sure SATC fans, like me, are saddened by the news that Mr Big dies of a heart attack,' Steinbaum stated.
'Mr Big lived what many would call an extravagant lifestyle — including cocktails, cigars, and big steaks — and was at serious risk as he had a previous cardiac event in season six.’
'These lifestyle choices and perhaps even his family history, which often is a significant factor, were the likely cause of his death. Riding his Peloton bike may have even helped delay his cardiac event,' she added.
Dr Steinbaum also stated that ‘more than 80 per cent of all cardiac-related deaths are preventable' if an individual changes their lifestyle and diet.
'While 25 per cent of heart attacks each year are in patients who already had one (like Mr. Big), even then they are very, very treatable,' she noted. 'It’s always important to talk to your doctor, get tested, and have a healthy prevention strategy. The good news is Peloton helps you track heart rate while you ride, so you can do it safely.’
Several fans have taken to Twitter to voice their shock over Mr Big’s death, and reacted to Peloton’s product placement in the first episode.
According to BuzzFeed News, Peloton spokesperson Denise Kelly said the company approved King's appearance in the show but stated that it didn't know how the bike would feature in the plot.
‘HBO procured the Peloton Bike on their own,’ Kelly said. ‘Peloton was aware that a Bike would be used in the episode and that Jess King would be portraying a fictional Peloton instructor.
‘Due to confidentiality reasons, HBO did not disclose the larger context surrounding the scene to Peloton in advance.’
Fans of the Sex and the City franchise have taken to social media to share their sadness over the loss of Noth’s character and Bradshaw's bizarre reaction.
ELLE UK has reached out to HBO Max for comment.
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Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
